Serbia passes Holocaust restitution law

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Serbian lawmakers have voted on a bill allowing the restitution of heirless and unclaimed Jewish property expropriated during the Holocaust.

The World Jewish Restitution Organization said Friday Serbia is one of the first countries in Eastern Europe to pass such a bill, which means the property will be returned to the local Jewish community.

Gideon Taylor, WJRO chair of operations, says "this is a step toward justice and the recognition of history."

Taylor said in a statement "we look to other countries to follow Serbia's lead."

The organization had actively campaigned for the law to be passed.

Tens of thousands of Jews living in Serbia during World War II perished in brutal Nazi-run death camps or were mass deported to the camps outside the Balkan country.